20,000 ads, 2,60,000 products: Report exposes Meta's wildlife trafficking market

Meta's platforms have become a major hub for the illegal wildlife trade, with a recent report exposing a vast market of advertisements and product listings. The Wildlife Justice Commission's investigation found around 20,000 ads and 260,000 product listings associated with wildlife trafficking on Meta's sites.

These illicit sales are estimated to have generated approximately $2 million. The report highlights a stark contrast between Meta's stated policies against the trade of endangered species and the reality on its platforms, which continue to facilitate the sale of illegal wildlife products.

The findings underscore a significant challenge for social media companies in effectively policing online marketplaces and enforcing their own regulations against harmful and illegal activities. The scale of the operation suggests a persistent demand for endangered species products, with platforms like Facebook and Instagram serving as key conduits for this trade.